Griz Journal 'Sky Power' Ranking: Week 8

1. Montana -- (1st last week) The Griz matchup well against NAU in several team statistical categories, particularly the rushing game. Key will be for the stellar Griz rushing defense to contain Jacks QB Lance Kriesien... and for Lex Hilliard & Co. to have a seasonal-best ground game on the other side. Rejuvenated Griz QB, Cole Berquist will probably need to lead his team to at least match Montana’s season-average in points (33.1) to get the job done.
2. Northern Arizona -- (2nd last week) The Lumberjacks have beaten the Grizzlies two times over the past 20 years: 1997 and 1987. Will the “Power of Sevens” be with the Jacks this year?
3. Eastern Washington -- (3rd last week) The Eagles have never lost to Sac State and they’ll need another big W, because their only chance at a playoff nod is to win the Big Sky. To have even a chance to do that they’ll have to win em all. After getting battered by the BYU Cougars last week, it won’t be any walkover against a Sac State team that plays much better at sunny Sacramento than in “weather” on the road.
4. Montana State -- (4th last week) Senior backup quarterback Cory Carpenter will step in for injured Jack Rolovich to lead the somewhat hobbled Cats at Northern Colorado in the first of a series of must-win games. The matchup against the Bears is as close to a sure thing as it gets in the Big Sky this season.
5. Weber State -- (6th last week) The Wildcats have managed to frequently play under their projected potential. But this team has inexperienced youth at critical positions. Solid line play on both sides of the ball, especially on defense, could give the Cats a chance in Portland this week.
6. Portland State -- (5th  last week) After last week’s crushing loss to Idaho State, the Vikings will likely have to rebound without the services of Big Sky passing leader, quarterback Brian White. Adding injury to that insult, the Viks lost two additional starters to their beleaguered offensive line, which has allowed a whopping 40 sacks so far this year, compared to this week’s opponent, Weber State, which has allowed a league-leading 7. The Wildcats match up favorably against the hobbled Viks.
7. Sacramento State -- (7th last week) The Hornets have never beaten the Eagles. Notching that first one won’t be easy without at least a couple of touchdowns, a rare occurrence for the Hornets this year, who are ranked 8th or 9th in EVERY Big Sky Conference team offensive statistical category this year.
8. Idaho State -- (8th last week) Visiting Cal Poly dropped out of the FCS Top 25 after last week’s 13-point loss at South Dakota State. But the Bengals will need more than one good half to win this week against the Mustangs, a team that’s solid, if somewhat down from previous years. 
9. Northern Colorado -- (9th last week) The Bears -- still winless at Greely in nearly two years -- might be playing for their coach, Scott Downing's, job security from here out... That is if they really want to.